HCPSS Recognizes Inclusive Schools Week, December 4-8, 2017

December 8th, 2017

Inclusive Schools Week (ISW) is an annual event sponsored by the Inclusive Schools Network and Stetson & Associates, Inc., which is held each year during the first full week in December. HCPSS is pleased to recognize and host ISW celebrations starting this year.

HCPSS is committed to providing all students with a quality education in a nurturing environment where they feel valued and respected. Howard County educators strive to provide the services, supports, and unique educational experiences that best meet the intellectual, emotional and physical needs of all children. HCPSS schools are practicing inclusive education in many ways to create a more positive school climate and culture where all students can thrive.

Our educators work to create an inclusive classroom environment where students are treated equally, regardless of disability, gender, socioeconomic status, cultural heritage, language spoken, or any other factors. Inclusion in education is often associated with classrooms where students requiring special education supports are integrated in a traditional classroom setting with typically developing peers. All students benefit from this type of an inclusive classroom that promotes peer mentorship and inclusion, while still providing the additional supports that individual students may require.

Restorative practice circles are another strategy used in HCPSS classrooms, and encourage dialogue between students and educators to build understanding, respect and acceptance. They are effective in resolving conflict and may be proactively used to prevent future altercations between students. The Homewood Center is at the forefront of using restorative justice circles very effectively, and schools across the county are expanding their use of leveraging this practice.

Beyond the classroom, several opportunities that facilitate inclusion are being offered in schools across the county. The Allied Sports program offers participation in competitive sports to high school students with disabilities and their non-disabled peers who have never played at the varsity or junior varsity level. Students have fun competing together, while building relationships with the school community. Fine Arts is another area where inclusive practices have been integrated to the betterment of all students. Through partnerships, a special inclusive theater experience at Glenelg High School pairs student peers with classmates with special needs to perform on stage as part of the Glenelg Broadway Connections Program.

Additionally, HCPSS supports inclusion through its anti-bullying policy and practices. Bullying behavior aims to exclude students and make them feel inadequate because of the differences that make them unique. HCPSS takes a strong stand against acts of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment or intimidation. Interim Superintendent Michael J. Martirano’s commitment to ending bullying behavior was reinforced in a recently released Public Service Announcement.

These inclusive practices and programs are representative of the school system’s mission to promote equity, ensure academic excellence and improve outcomes for all students.